THE SEA NYMPHS

3.5 stars. This was an interesting album as we get three CARDIACS members in Tim Smith, Sarah Smith and William Drake creating an album that they felt either wasn't worthy enough to be played under the CARDIACS name or just too different. Oh, you can tell right from the start that this is CARDIACS, it's just much more stripped down, simpler and laid back overall. Of the 19 tracks only 4 are over 3 minutes. Still I really enjoyed the music here but I do miss that insanity. Piano, synths and vocals lead the way and there's little in the way of drums or guitar.

"The Spirit Spout" is loud and experimental to start as we get this mechanical sounding rhythm. It's all replaced by the organ, then the vocals and more join in. Piano and a calm after 1 1/2 minutes as the vocals have stopped. "Shaping The Rhythm" opens with those chipmunk sounding vocals as piano helps out. Soon it's piano only but not for long as the multi-vocals return. "Nil In The Nest" opens with Sarah on vocals along with piano before both are blown away by male vocals and a heavier sound. Contrasts continue. "A Thousand Strokes And A Rolling Suck" features male vocals and a bright, happy sound. "Christ Alive" has these 80' sounding synths along with organ as the male vocals join in. It's okay. "Mr. Drakes Big Heart" is 19 seconds of uptempo piano and it will be reprised at track 11. "Lucky Lucy" is a top three for me. This one has an epic vibe to it even though it's a 2 1/2 minute tune. A feel good track all the way. "Gods Box" is led by Sarah's sweet vocals.

"Piano Interlude" is just that for under a minute. "Up In Annie's Room" has male vocals, synths and organ. This is majestic sounding just like Annie's room I'm sure. "The Psalm Of Life" opens with recorder as male vocals join in with piano and more. "In The Corner Of Sin" is like listening to a choir at Christmas to be honest, at least the vocals are the focus here. "Tree Tops High" again has this majestic feel to it and again the vocals are the focus, lots of synths as well. "Dog Cat Spine" is catchy with a strong 80's vibe. Fun stuff. Lots of piano, synths and vocals. Dissonant piano late. Yay! "Sarah On A Worm" is another top three for me. This just sounds so darn good, moving is the word with piano and synths leading the way. And no vocals! Nice. "Lily White's Party" is good as well with those nature sounds and that rhythm that seems to pulse slowly. Reserved vocals do join in but soon it's multi-vocals. "Appealing To Venus" is my final top three. Such an uplifting vocal track with organ leading the way instrumentally. "Abade" is led by piano and Sarah's sweet vocals.

I'm not enjoying this enough to click 4 stars and for my tastes it's a definite step down from some of CARDIACS' best albums. Still there's quite a bit to enjoy here and keep in mind that CARDIACS fans seem to love this as they do all things related to CARDIACS.